ARKNAT – a specially designed windbreak along Kalmarsundsleden

Kalmar Kommun now has its own unique windbreak with an accompanying fireplace, created by the acclaimed team behind the ARKNAT architectural project.

On 16 May, the wind shelter was unveiled, inspired by the surrounding nature and buildings in Kalmar. It rises up on stilts, standing slightly above ground level. Constructed from larch wood, which will weather to a grey hue over time and blend beautifully with the tree trunks, it features an intricately patterned roof and a ‘window’ that allows light to stream in in an intriguing way.

The experienced construction team, consisting of Martin Björklund – civil engineer and project manager for ARKNAT, Karl Lind – architect, and Ivar Håkenstad – cabinetmaker, spent a week on site assembling the wind shelter, which had been prepared over the winter. The finishing touches were being applied just as the first visitors arrived for the inauguration.

ARKNAT is a concept that brings together architecture and nature. Every summer since its launch in 2017, students from across Europe have gathered to challenge our perspective on design. Through a unique and creative process, they leave behind new hideaways and shelters for the public. The wind shelter at Ljungnäs is the 37th project in the series, but the first where the trio themselves have carried out the entire process from idea to finished wind shelter.

You’ll find the wind shelter along the Kalmarsundsleden trail, about a kilometre south of the Ljungnäs bathing spot. A destination that’s just as easy to reach on foot, by canoe or by boat.